December 2015 Issue

VOLUME XXI
NUMBER 4
SEPTEMBER
2015
NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH CAROLINA SOCIETY OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
An Overview of Our Active State Society
by Timothy W. Berly, President, NC SAR
We have seen several significant accom- and engaging in SAR activities. These can be
plishments in our State Society in the found on our state website. Chuck Adams,
past several months. Our 27th and new- our State Constitution & Bylaws Committee
est Chapter, the Colonel
Chairman, is reviewing
Alexander Erwin Chapter
the language in both our
was chartered in September
Constitution and Bylaws,
in Morganton. I believe
looking to streamline the
President Davis and his
language and make it
officers have some good
clearer/easier to follow.
plans for the chapter, a
The goal of the District
healthy number of promeetings, which I hope
spective, new members and
will continue into coming
are off to an excellent start.
years, and these actions to
In August, we conductupdate our State materied a ceremony in North
als is part of an effort to
Harlowe (near Havelock)
improve communications
Timothy W. Berly, President
to induct Ed Carter, a forbetween the State Society
mer mayor of Greenville, into the SAR. He and our respective Chapters. We will continbecame the first descendant of the “Forgotten ue to focus on this and welcome the input of
Patriots” to join our Society. These were 14 all of our members in order to accomplish
free men of color who fought for our inde- this objective.
pendence, and whom we honored there in a North Carolina is still a leader in our
ceremony a few years ago. Other descendants National Society in the submission of Patriot
have expressed interest in joining, and we Biographies, standing at a 41% participahope to have many new compatriots join us tion rate – third among State Societies in
and possibly a new chapter formed in the participation and total Bios submitted! For
unique, historic community founded by these those of you who have not done so for your
men.
own Patriot(s), I would like to see you do so
Another group of our fellow SAR compa- in order that we may collectively contribute
triots are working to form a new chapter at many more.
the Crystal Coast (Morehead City area).
Several chapters in the eastern part of
We have initiated some discussion relative the state and the Piedmont have indicated
to qualifying ancestry for Native Americans grave markings are being planned for early
in North Carolina, and are looking into such next year. As soon as there are definitive
a possibly for men of Cherokee, and possibly plans, please get your ceremony listed on
Catawba heritage. It is noteworthy that men the Calendar and Events section of our state
of all backgrounds, colors, and religions all website. This will encourage Color Guard
shared a common bond in fighting, or serv- participation from our officers and chapters
ing to achieve our independence as a nation. across our state. This activity, together with
District meetings were held in the Southeast, the Patriot Bios, remains a primary focus I
Northeast and Foothills Districts of the state would like to see us continue to focus on into
and I thank each of our respective District the coming year; to honor in perpetuity the
Vice Presidents for organizing these. Several memory of our founding generation.
State officers, the Chapter Presidents and It’s not too early to start thinking about
Secretaries as well as other officers and the 250th Anniversary of the American
men from chapters in each of these districts Revolution! This year marks a beginning
participated. We discussed topics such as for that anniversary observance with the
Reconciliation (dues collection/membership) resistance to the Stamp Act. Last month, the
and Americanism reporting, concerns the Lower Cape Fear Chapter joined togethstate could help address, and generally shared er with the DAR’s Stamp Act Defiance
ideas as to what we as the SAR could be Chapter in Wilmington to reenact the forced
doing in each of our respective communities, removal of the NC Stamp Agent William
including joint chapter cooperation in con- Houston. North Carolina was at the foreducting events.
front of early dissatisfaction with Parliament
Our Senior Vice President, Gary Green, and resistance to tyranny. There will be many
has taken the initiative to update our State opportunities in the coming years to conduct
Handbook and other documents (Chapter events here to honor our Patriots who earned
Leadership Guide, US Flag procedures, for us the nickname of “First in Freedom,”
Color Guard Handbook), which are designed now once again prominently displayed on
to be of assistance in running your Chapters our state’s automobile license tags.
The Battle of Cowan’s Ford ceremony,
which will occur January 30 in Huntersville,
just before our Winter Board of Manager’s
(BOM) meeting, was recently awarded SAR
National Event status by our SAR Historic
Sites and Celebrations Committee. It is our
5th such event to receive this distinction; not
only due to its significance in the Revolution,
but also the manner in which we conduct the
event each year and our commitment to do so
into the future. We lead the nation in events
so designated by our National Society! I
hope you can attend, and will also attend the
BOM meeting to follow, to lend your voice
and ideas in leadership of our State Society.
President General Tom Lawrence will visit
here in March to participate in our commemoration of the 235th anniversary of the
Battle of Guilford Courthouse.
Please check to ensure that you are reporting any of the Youth awards made by your
Chapter, so that your winners can compete at
the State level, and possibly for National recognition and scholarships. Many of the deadlines for these programs are fast approaching
by the end of this, or in early next, year. Our
respective State Youth Program Chairmen
can assist you with this.
I would ask if you have not already done,
please pay your SAR dues for 2016 by the
end of this month, so your Chapter can provide its Reconciliation of membership form
to our State Secretary. If you feel so compelled, your Chapter, the State and National
Societies will benefit from your monetary
generosity to assist in the funding of the
many SAR programs for which we make
awards, or provide some form of recognition.
As I’ve stated before, all of our State officers
stand ready and willing to work with you to
achieve our shared mission
as SAR compatriots.
In This Issue
Gratitude and giving are
the hallmarks of this sea- 2
Membership Info
son of the year. I would be
3
5
BOM Minutes
remiss if I did not thank
5
Tarheel Jr Historian
the Chapters I have visited
Congress Recap
for their hospitality, and the 6 many courtesies shown me 7- 8
Bylaw Proposals
on my travels this year as 8Americanism/Flag
State President. I look for9-11 Chapter News
ward to visiting many others
Historic Sites
in the remainder of my term. 11
Next BOM Reg.
I hope that each of you 12
enjoy safe travels if so doing, 12Events
and that you enjoy the time
you are together with your family and friends
this Holiday season – I wish you a Merry
Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a prosper1
ous, blessed New Year!
OLD NORTH
STATE
Membership Update
SEPTEMBER
2015
( June 5, 2015 - September 6, 2015)
2015-2016 OFFICERS
President: Timothy W. Berly
11901 Darby Chase Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 849-7886; [email protected]
Senior Vice President: Gary O. Green
6720 Creek Ridge Road, Wilmington, NC 28411
(910) 791-5422; [email protected]
Northeast District VP: William A. Tilghman, Jr.
1305 Earl Circle, Greenville NC 27858
(252) 321-2571; [email protected]
Southeast District VP: David L. Mann
501 Vista Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 850-8416; [email protected]
Piedmont District VP: Fredrick D. Learned
4030 Dresden Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27104
(239) 849-0814; [email protected]
Foothills District VP: Doyle E. Campbell
1407 Merrimont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
(704) 739-5485; [email protected]
Mountain District VP: James R. Cook
446 Haynes Road, Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-9612; [email protected]
Secretary: George K. Strunk
205 Goldleaf Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-8324; [email protected]
Treasurer: Kurt J. Van Tassel
PO Box 1249, Pittsboro, NC 27312
(919) 545-0875; [email protected]
Registrar: Steven F. Avent
202 Olde Colony Drive, Edenton, NC 27932
(252) 482-1172; [email protected]
Historian: James A. Becker
10801 Debnam Road, Zebulon, NC 27597
(919) 269-7489; [email protected]
Genealogist: Franklin N. Horton
3812 Ithaca Place, Fayetteville, NC 28311
(910) 630-0875; [email protected]
Webmaster: Jay A. Joyce
10626 Camden Meadow Drive, Charlotte, NC 28273
Work: (704) 398-4437; Cell: (704) 526-9548
[email protected]
Chaplain: Rev. A. Clark Wiser
110 Pine Street East, Lillington, NC 27546
(910) 893-6989; [email protected]
Development Officer: G. Steven Pittard
414 Wilder Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314
(910) 578-1311; [email protected]
National Trustee: James H. Wood
12601 Long Cove Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 846-7323; [email protected]
Alternate Trustee: Timothy W. Berly
11901 Darby Chase Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 849-7886; [email protected]
2
SAR Foundation President: Samuel C. Powell
1067 E. Lake Dr., Burlington, NC 27216
(336) 227-3557; [email protected]
NEW MEMBERS
National # First Name Middle Name Last Name
State # Chapter
195186 Timothy Scott
Guisewhite4048Mecklenburg
195187
Edward
Earl
Carter
4049 General George Washington
195188 William McGill
Thompson 4050Mecklenburg
195189 Douglas Charles
Duer
4051Mecklenburg
195190 Austin Douglas Duer
4052Mecklenburg
195191 James
Edward
Campbell 4053Mecklenburg
195192 Phillip Russell
Epley
4054Raleigh
195193
Bruce
Alan
Fensley
4055 Nathanael Greene
195228
Roger
Howard
Russell
4057 Raleigh
195229
Daniel
Frasier
Russell
4058 Raleigh
195230
Andrew
Kemp
Russell
4059 Raleigh
195231
Jason
Patrick
Miller
4060 Nathanael Greene
195232
Marc
Anthony
Miller
4061 Nathanael Greene
195439
Charles
Conaway
Neff
4062 Blue Ridge
195504
Timothy
Stokes Calloway
4063 Old North State
195505
Daniel
Austin
Griffith
4064 Old North State
195506
Stephen
Lemuel
Griffith
4065 Old North State
195507
Zebulon
James
Griffith
4066 Old North State
195508
William
Joseph
Jones III
4067 Nathanael Greene
195509 Robert John
Alcott
4068Mecklenburg
195510
Samuel
Joseph
Stockton
4069 Captain George Dickey 195511
Roger
William
Dixon
4070
Battle of Kings Mountain
195512
John
Scott
DeBroder
4071
Bethabara
195658
Douglas
Scott Coley 4073
Old North State
195659
Stephen
Patrick
McKee
4074
Mecklenburg
195660
Norman
Carroll
Lyda
4075 Blue Ridge
195661
Mark
Alan
Cleary
4076 Mecklenburg
195662
Brandon
Lee
Cleary
4077 Mecklenburg
195663
Archie
Walker Case
4078 Old North State
195743
Arthur
Kirk Emmons
4079 Old North State
195744
Jerry
Dale Jones
4080
le Marquis de Lafayette
195745
Alfred
Wilson Hamer Jr.
4081
Old North State
195746
Alfred
Wilson Hamer III 4082
Old North State
195747
Patrick
Franklin James 4083
General George Washington 195836
Charles
Blanding DuRant 4084
Halifax Resolves 195837
Martin
Scott
Hutchins 4084
Battle of Kings Mountain 195919
Edward
Duke Cowell 4086 Outer Banks 195920
Robert
Michael
Keeney
4087 le Marquis de Lafayette
195921
David
Neil Keeney
4088 le Marquis de Lafayette
195922
Glen Thomas
Keeney
4089 le Marquis de Lafayette 195923
David Bentley
Melton
4090 Captain George Dickey 195924
Mark
Alan
Thomas Sr.
4091 le Marquis de Lafayette
195925
Charles
Christopher Carraway 4092 General George Washington
195926
Timothy
Alan
McEntire 4093 Western Waters
195927
Benjamin Paul
McEntire
4094 Western Waters
196020
Derrell Eugene
Maxwell 4095 Silas McDowell 196021
Russell Lewis Smith
4096 Yadkin Valley
196022
Randall Garner Jackson
4097 Silas McDowell
196132
Randy Allen Deal
4098 Colonel Alexander Erwin
196133
Alex Gray
Bryan
4099 Lower Cape Fear 196231
Bailey
Gillespie
4100 Captain George Dickey 196232
Steven
Kent Miller 4101 Raleigh 196233
Allen
John Mollere III 4102 Bethabara 196234
Carlton
Murray
Mansfield 4103 Lumber River 196235
James
Wirt Denham 4104 Mecklenburg
196236
William
Emerson Boys 4105 Old North State
196237
Charles Joseph DiCicco
4106 Old North State
196238
Thomas Minotti DiCicco III 4107 Old North State REINSTATED
National # First Name Middle Name Last Name
State # Chapter
148262
Walter
Howard
Hall
2223 Colonel Alexander Erwin 190403
Anthony
Joseph
Maiorano
3898 Halifax Resolves
TRANSFER IN
National # First Name Middle Name Last Name
State # Chapter
192566
Todd
Lyle Leslie
Lipschutz
4056 Raleigh
119176
Arthur
Gordon
Milbrath Jr. 1713 Outer Banks
TRANSFER OUT
National # First Name Middle Name Last Name
State # Chapter
189553
Steven
Ray
Pickett
3861 Mecklenburg
189554
Phillip Aubrey
Pickett
3862 Mecklenburg
192594
Michael Howard
Hosmer 3955
192595
Brian Michael
Hosmer
3956 DECEASED
National # First Name Middle Name Last Name
Chapter
171235Calvin Elliot
Marshall Raleigh
165873
Charles
Jackson
Wells
Le Marquis de Lafayette
166081
Winston
William
Pulliam
Blue Ridge
190801
Henry
Lawrence
Patrick
Battle of Kings Mountain
City
Charlotte
Greenville
Charlotte
Charlotte
Charlotte
Charlotte
Cary
Southern Pines
Longwood, FL
Wake Forest
Wake Forest
Greensboro
Greensboro
Coppell, TX
Spruce Pine
Spruce Pine
Spruce Pine
Spruce Pine
Greensboro
Moorseville
Concord
Lawndale
Pfafftown
Morganton
Denver
Hendersonville
Mathews
Mathews
Hendersonville
Morganton
Fayetteville
Morganton
Morganton
Greenville
Morehead City
Belmont
Southern Shores
Chapel Hill
Raleigh
Raleigh
Forest City
Fuquay Varina
Greenville
Old Fort
Old Fort
Bryson City
Deep Gap
Brasstown
Valdese
Jacksonville
Spindale
Raleigh
Clemmons
Pembroke
Salisbury
Libertyville, IL
Westwood, MA
Westwood, MA
City
Morganton
Tarboro
City
Apex
Nags Head
City
Tampa, FL
Vestavia Hills, AL
Canton, MI
Canton, MI
City
Fayetteville
Board of Managers Meeting Held
August 22nd, 2015 at the NCSU University Club in Raleigh
by State Secretary George Strunk
Minutes of the NC Society SAR Summer
Board of Managers Meeting held on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the NC
State University Club in Raleigh, NC.
Call to Order – Tim Berly, State President.
Presentation of the Colors was provided
by the NC Society, SAR Color Guard, commanded by Gary Green.
Opening Prayer by Rev. Dr. Clark Wiser,
State Chaplain.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the
United States led by George Strunk, State
Secretary.
Salute to the Flag of North Carolina led
by George Strunk, State Secretary.
SAR Pledge – led by Kurt Van Tassel,
State Treasurer.
Posting of the Colors – NC SAR Color
Guard – Gary Green, Color Guard Commander.
Introduction of guests and the members present by Tim Berly: Mark Anthony
(South Atlantic District VPG), Guy Higgins
(Guest), Paul Turlington (Guest from MD).
The Board of Managers of this Society
shall consist of the officers, the National
Trustee, the Chapter Presidents, the Past
State Presidents, and the Past National
Trustees. In the absence of the Chapter President, a designated member of the Chapter
may vote as a proxy.
- Moved to approve chapter representatives
who are not chapter presidents as voting
members of the Board of Managers (Bob
Sigmon – Raleigh) – George Strunk
Opening Remarks – Tim Berly thanked
everyone for attending and helping to conduct business of the Society. He expressed
his regard for visiting as many Chapters as he
had during the year this far and looks forward
to visiting many more before his term is up in
April. He was happy to report that we had 14
delegates to the National Congress in Louisville.
Report on 2015 National Congress – Gary
Green, State Senior Vice President, spoke to
the highlights of the Congress, details will
be in the next Old North State. Louisville
is within driving distance and there were
many good tours. We had free bourbon at
OLD NORTH
STATE
SEPTEMBER
2015
NC SAR’s
Combined State
Color Guard,
made up of
compatriots
from across
the state, came
to the Board
of Managers
meeting to
provide a
display of
the Colors,
keeping us
mindful of our
duties. Gary
Green, our Vice
President, is
commanding.
the host reception. Sunday we had the Color Guard breakfast and then the procession
to the Memorial Service 5 blocks away. We
did stop traffic on Sunday. Monday began the
business meeting with posting of the colors
and giving of gifts. The Minuteman Ceremony was that evening. Tuesday we had breakfast and heard the officer candidates, more
business and elections which were a process.
The evening dinner featured the installation
of new officers. Wednesday started with the
Foundation Breakfast and presentation of
awards and certificates. Wednesday business
included a dues increase and a discussion of
the new IT developments regarding application process. The drive home was tough in the
rain. Lessons learned: we need to encourage
participation in SAR programs at all chapters
and submit appropriate paperwork when required.
Clark Wiser added a few words about the
new PG’s vision and enhanced communication in the coming year.
Steve Pittard mentioned the Orations
contest Sunday night and how the contestants were so very good.
Tim Berly spoke to the other Youth contests that invoke pride in the future leaders
of the country. The next Congress will be in
Boston, MA next year.
Awards Presentations – Tim Berly, Gary
Green and George Strunk presented the
many awards from the Congress and past
convention. Tim commended the compatriots for their efforts and tradition of excellence
in the NC Society. Tim commented about
the excellent participation and increases in
youth Awards this last year and challenges us
to do more.
Approval of the Minutes from the Winter, 2015 BOM – George Strunk asked for
a motion to approve the minutes as printed.
The motion was made by Frank Horton and
seconded by Dick Bishop to approve and accept the minutes. Accepted.
Treasurer’s Report – Kurt Van Tassel pg 17
and subsequent pages.
Reports: State Officers
President, Tim Berly recognized Ed Carter of the Fourteen Forgotten patriots and
the efforts to organize a Chapter in Harlowe,
near Havelock.
No changes to published reports.
Steve Pittard mentioned the cockade for
development fund raising.
Jim Wood alerted to the research of future
historical finds for NC.
Chapter Presidents
Francis Nash has nothing to report.
Old North State had no report, but John
Thornhill said that he has a list of compatriots that could be transferred into local chap- Several chapters
ters rather than at large, if they desire to be and the State
more active.
Society received
Committee Chairmen
Ken Wilson. In the Americanism competition, we lost to Kentucky because one
chapter did not report. Nominations for State
Secretary and Eastern Adjutant are being
sought.
Gary Green, Color Guard, spreadsheet
was explained. A zero indicates participation.
Wreaths Across America. I will send an email
for participation and Matthews will be state
cemetery designated this year. Continue to
support local events on December 12th. Raleigh has three locations to support.
Jim Cook asked about no Executive Committee report? Tim explained that no actions
Continued on Page 4
their Partners
in Patriotism
Certificates that
were awarded
at the National
Congress, and
brought back for
presentation.
(l-r) Jim Cook,
Charles Lewis,
Geoff Pittard,
Tom Long,
George Strunk
and Tim Berly
accepted the
awards.
3
OLD NORTH
STATE
SEPTEMBER
2015
Dick Eisenman
was recognized
for his many
years of
dedication to
the Society.
President Berly
is personally
“pinning” Dick.
Past President
Jim Wood was
recognized for
his sustained
achievement
in color guard
activities for
the Society.
He received
the coveted
National Von
Steuben Medal,
presented by
National Color
Guard Adjutant
Mark Anthony.
4
BOM Meeting Minutes
Continued from Page 3
have been taken to date to report. Reports
will be posted with action or not.
Glenn Sappie of Oration Committee
thanks the state society for their support in
his stead. He was unable to participate as
much as he would have liked due to health
reasons and wanted to thank everyone.
Old Business
• Report on “Let Freedom Ring” donation
to CTSSAR – Tim Berly: $147 was spent to
pay for flag for ceremony.
• Follow up on Publishing Costs/ Electronic Distribution of Newsletter? – Steve
Pittard: Steve spoke about costs of newsletter
(about $3,000 budgeted). We need to ensure
that we use the most cost effective method
for distribution. It is also on the web site.
George spoke about email issues/effectiveness with new email list begun by Gary and
kept current, so far. Of 1,000 +, we only had
50 bad or old addresses. We need to ensure
that new members use an application form
with an email address on it.
• Plans for Kings Mountain – Doyle Campbell. Invitation sent out twice, Oct 7th 11:00.
Mark spoke on SC plans. Hotel moved to
Courtyard, grave marking on 6th with road
marker at 2 p.m., SA Dist. meeting at 4:30.
Note RSVPs for wreaths are critical in order
to print program and order wreath protocol.
Tim reviewed the high turnout rates for these
events and the importance of timely reporting to present a wreath. Added: Dick Bishop
discussed Black Powder instructor, possibly
Dan Woodruff, and the need for procedures
for qualification and the safe firing of muskets. Alex Wilson asked about location of instructor. He is in SC and Tim said we need to
have safety procedures followed and will look
for a local NC instructor.
New Business
• Request for Chapter Charter – Col. Alexander Erwin Chapter – Wayne Davis. Seventeen NC Compatriots requested Charter.
Wayne spoke to the efforts of Grady Hall
and Ken Wilson contributing to the success
so far. Robert Pruet is VP and an ancestor of
the owner of an existing house in Morganton. 12 Sept event is open to all. Wayne Davis
told the story of Chapter development. Tim
asked for a motion. Ken Wilson moved, Jim
Cook seconded to charter the 27th Chapter,
a vote was called and the ayes have it. Tim
recognized that Bill Jarrett is a descendant.
John Thornhill asked about transferring Old
North State members to the Chapter. Jim
asked about IRS procedures. Already begun.
• Tim reminded everyone that there are
John Thornhill stated we must be considerate
of time/distance to travel when meetings are
required (Asheboro is central). Tim said we
were attempting to address that issue and try
to rotate the meetings and convention. Geoff
Pittard stated that an important point about
meetings is not all and if you cannot attend
send a proxy. We are encouraging people to
participate. Alex suggested we meet one at
the coast, one central and one in the mountains. David Mann stood in support of this,
as a District Vice President. We need some
tool to encourage participation because otherwise there is no guidance for participation.
Chuck reminded us that we are a voluntary organization and that we shouldn’t be
heavy handed. Rather than have a new VP,
use a committee. Tim said point was taken
and that we have an obligation to encourage
Chapters and without reports we can’t know
what they are doing. Jim stated that in PA
there was a similar problem and we need to
be careful about adding programs to encourage chapters to participate. We need to add to
their capability rather than discourage. Ken
said there were approx. ten chapters active in
the Society and there are more that don’t participate. Jim said we need to have the tools to
help facilitate the effort to encourage action.
Gary and Tim asked to continue the discussion and put together a committee to receive
suggestions and bring forward a proposal.
Tom Long offered to help. Tim briefed two
proposed VP positions see pg 55.
VP discussion: Chuck asked if we need
another officer or would a committee suffice.
John Thornhill said he agrees, we already have
five VPs and that should work. Alex said with
no disrespect, the position should be held by
a chapter president that has had some success and made it work. Maximize the experience that we have within the society. Tim
summarized that we can work on structure,
committee or VP and bring it to our Annual
Meeting. Please send suggestions to me or
the executive committee so we can include
everyone’s suggestions.
Surrender of Charter: Silas McDowell
Chapter - see pages 55-56. Jim Becker mentioned Francis Nash history that was resurrected. Tim said there is no official guidance
in Constitution and bylaws and we need to
include it in the discussion of chapter revitalization. Jim Cook said the action needs to
be taken, the action is imminent. Marc stated the situation in SC several years ago was
that an agreement of chapter to state society
was drawn by Chancellor. A new chapter was
started in the same area with a different charter. Tim invites the exec cmte, district vp and
chapter presidents to discuss before we pull
the plug and turn in charter. Alex asked about
the circumstances. Tom briefed the situation
New Chapter Formation/Retention lan- to the group. For three years, two officers
guage may be added to Bylaws: Ken Wilson have carried the chapter. Majority of chapter
spoke to his tenure as Society President and members are there for certificate only.
talks with officers about Chapter require- • Tar Heel Junior Historian Program – Jim
ments as far as participation. See pages 54 Becker pg 77 Jim spoke to the initiative.
and 55 of BOM Report for Requirements to • Frank Horton asked if he was asking for
maintain a Chapter charter. Tim called for $$. Jim said that could be the later effect, but
discussion. Alex Wilson asked about other not the initial effort – just public knowledge
youth programs/contests? Ken listed possi- getting the word out.
bilities and Jim Wood added History teacher.
Continued on Page 5
currently two Chapters under development,
one in North Harlowe and one at the Crystal
coast (Morehead City area).
• Warren Alter asked the state for endorsement for the next election to Treasurer General. Steve Pittard spoke to the request based
on his personal knowledge and encouraged
that we do endorse Warren. Chuck Adams
asked about the veracity of an endorsement.
What does that mean to the state? Frank
Horton announced the 31 December deadline for nomination endorsements. Jim Becker asked about others that may be in line and
the effect of this endorsement. Alex Wilson said Steve’s recommendation was good
enough for him Alex moved and John Meisenheimer seconded. The ayes have it. Frank
reminded us that a letter should be sent to the
nominating committee.
• Bylaws Amendment(s) – State Fees for
Supplemental Applications. Gary Green
gave background info. Grandpa’s proposal
to reduce costs of second and third applications for those apps sent at one time. Gary
suggested we use the same formula for the
State as used at National. Steve questioned
the disparity of difference between state and
National? Bobby Ervin said he was doing
the supplementals for his family and was the
impetus for the change. There should be a
similar family plan for supps. Md. Guy asked
about the applications for a family plan? Sam
says the cost is less if several people are applying for the same purpose at one time. Jim
Becker said he wasn’t sure we ever enforced
the cost of multiple fees. Chuck supported the plan but said $8 even for the charge.
Steve reminded us that our fees have lagged
behind the National fees because we haven’t
raised fees like National. Frank, on behalf of
application processors, stated that they need
to know the total. Consider, Bobby stated
$75 and $37.50 for each supplemental. David
Mann questioned the Emeritus question (no
national dues, but state is still required). The
recommendation is to change the fees and be
voted on at the next BOM. Consensus was
to move it forward. The proposed Bylaw was
sent to committee for action.
MINUTES Continued from Page 4
• William R. Davie Society Proposal – Tim
Berly - removed by Tim.
• Jay briefed us on the new web site. Frank
Horton asked about the list of contacts. Sam
asked about chapter initiatives. David Mann
asked about contacts. Tom Long thanked Jay
for the site info for Silas McDowell over the
years.
Bobby Ervin moved that the Battle of the
House in the Horseshoe be added to the list
of state events. Alex seconded. Approved.
• Ken Wilson hasn’t received color guard reports since Patriots’ Day event.
• Ken Luckey invited everyone to Vietnam
Veterans 50th Anniversary on Sept. 17th.
• Marc Anthony announced the youth poster contest with the Battle of Moores Creek
Bridge theme.
•Sam Powell spoke on the Alexander
Mitchell event.
Closing Prayer by Rev. Dr. Clark Wiser.
Retirement of the Colors by the NC SAR
Color Guard, commanded by Gary Green.
SAR Recessional led by Dr. Sam Powell,
PhD, President, SAR Foundation.
NEW BOOK NOTICE
PG Butler complies with request from
HRM Felipe VI de Borbon, King of Spain,
to write book about Spain’s assistance
during the American Revolutionary War
GÁLVEZ
Spain - Our Forgotten Ally
in the American Revolutionary War
by Judge Edward Butler
This 360 page book with 214 footnotes,
and 37 pages of Appendices, contains the
names of hundreds of Spanish patriots. It
documents the significant support rendered
by Spain in the formation of our nation.
It received the Order of the Granaderos de
Galvez award as the “Best Revolutionary War
History Book for 2014.”
The reviews have been very positive. Dr.
Maria Hernandez Ferrier, President Texas
A&M University-San Antonio, had this to
say: “Never has a more important book been
written that confirms what has been silent in
our American History books. Every student
of American history can now know ‘the rest
of the story’.”
Mimi Lozano, educator who co-founded
the Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research had this to say: “This book
should be on the shelf of every school library…is a tidy, quick-read, quick-reference
book, handy to have on hand…the Spanish
did play an important, very major role in winning the American Revolution.”
The book was published by Southwest
Historical Press, P.O. Box 170, 24165 IH10 West, Suite 217-170, San Antonio, TX
78257, and is available for $29.00 + $6.50 p.
& h. Mail order to above address.
Discovering the Museum of History’s
Tar Heel Junior Historian Association
Article provided by Jim Becker, State Historian and Past President of the Raleigh Chapter
OLD NORTH
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SEPTEMBER
2015
The Raleigh Chapter of the North Carolina Society SAR continues a twenty plus year
involvement with the Tar Heel Junior Historian Association Essay Contest sponsored by the
NC Museum of History. Although not part of the SAR essay contest, this program provides
contacts for the SAR essay and other youth contests and stimulates an interest in history to
over 4,300 Tar Heel Junior Historian Association members in 107 clubs across North Carolina.
The individual clubs are associated with public, charter, private, and home schools with
students ranging in age from elementary to high school age. Each Tar Heel Junior Historian
Association club member receives a magazine twice per year at no charge, other communications, and invitations to special events at the museum.
History clubs are an excellent way to involve more students in the study of our American
history and to instill in the students an appreciation for our country, its founding fathers and
our system of government.
The Raleigh Chapter also has a role in reviewing the essay topic, providing judges, donating cash prizes, and taking part in the awards ceremony held each spring. Raleigh SAR
chapter members judge history essays at the middle and high school levels, while Raleigh
DAR supports the essay contest at the elementary school clubs.
This past year, Edward (Ted) Rudisill moved to Raleigh from California, where he had
been Past President of the San Diego Chapter. He is very concerned that our early US history
is becoming a forgotten topic in today’s curriculum. Ted has written a short history of the
American Revolution for use by primary and secondary school students to help preserve it
as part of the public curriculum. His publication, “The Long Road to Freedom” is available
on disk at no charge. This 66-page publication describes ten of the major battles that were
fought, the main characters involved and the stark realities of fighting a war with untrained,
undersupplied militia against the most powerful nation in the world.
When Ted learned about the North Carolina Museum of History program for the Tar
Heel Junior Historian Association Essay, he sensed that this was a program he wanted to
know more about. Ted was available to attend the Award Ceremony this past spring and met
Jessica Pratt, the North Carolina Museum of History staff person who serves as program
coordinator. Ted surmised that there was an opportunity for us to participate with a special
history section for Tar Heel Junior Historian Association Clubs. He had worked with a high
school history club in San Diego with excellent results.
Another recent example of how exciting this opportunity is the way it highlights the
Raleigh Chapter’s speaker’s bureau. Members of the speaker’s bureau learned that they could
make special historical presentations to Tar Heel Junior Historian Association Clubs and
were invited this spring to make a history presentation on the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge.
This presentation was made to a history club for a group of Home Schoolers in the Raleigh
area. By working with the North Carolina Museum of History, these programs can be shared
with other communities across the State. Others members may also want to become involved.
We have an excellent program that deserves our support. This platform opportunity may be
helpful in making our youth programs more inclusive.
This year there is no funding for new books including history books. Computer technology and electronic communications are revolutionizing the classroom. Previously history
books were printed each year and revised to make them “new.” They left out much of the old.
Over the years, the material changed. Today’s teacher has to make decisions on what is taught
based on required curriculum and available content. Improving the quality of the material the
teacher has to select from is important.
Operating since its formation in 1953, the Tar Heel Junior Historian Association has
always helped meet such needs. Their work provides the American Citizen of tomorrow the
opportunity to learn history in a meaningful way.
The Raleigh Chapter met with the Tar Heel Junior Historian Association program coordinator and learned we have now been invited to help further the effectiveness of this program
and that our assistance is needed. By doing so, we advance our own objectives and those of the
Tar Heel Junior Historian Association Clubs. We are asked to help attract youth members,
support new clubs, and support the Tar Heel Junior Historian Association essay contests. To
support the students and history teachers, we are also invited to provide encouragement for
the Tar Heel Junior Historians to participate in our SAR youth contests and pass on materials
we produce locally and those provided by our National offices in Louisville.
This opportunity is an extremely important one. Please consider finding out more about
the Tar Heel Junior Historian Association clubs in your area. For further information, you can
view the Tar Heel Junior Historian Association website at: http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/
Learn/Tar-Heel-Junior-Historian-Association. You may also contact Ron Hill, SAR member in Cary at [email protected] or call (919) 803-4787. We look forward to working with
other NC Chapters to further develop ties with the Tar Heel Junior Historian Association.
5
OLD NORTH
STATE
SEPTEMBER
2015
NC Compatriots in Memorial
Service (left
to right) Sam
Powell, Gary
Green, Ray
Maxson, Steve
Pittard, TG
Mike Tomme,
Jeff Jones, PG
Lindsey Brock,
Clark Wiser,
Jim Wood, Dan
Woodruff and
George Strunk.
N. Carolina
Compatriots
in attendance
at the Tuesday
Night Banquet
during
Congress.
6
125TH CONGRESS REPORT
Gary O. Green, Sr Vice President, North Carolina SAR
The North Carolina SAR traveled well to Louisville, Kentucky
for the 125th Congress of the National Society SAR from 26 June
2015 to 1 July 2015. We participated in multiple color guard
activities including the Memorial Service on Sunday, opening
ceremonies on Monday morning, changing of the Color Guard
Commander on Tuesday, and closing ceremonies on Wednesday
evening. Compatriots participated in the Color Guard events (the
parentheses is the number in which they participated): George
Strunk (5); Sam Powell (4); Gary Green (4); Ray Maxson (4); Steve
Pittard (3); Tim Berly (2); Dick Bishop (2); Jim Wood (2); John
Thornhill (2) and Clark Wiser (1). Others attending include Joe
Harris, Jim Becker, Glenn Sappie, Kurt van Tassel, Gary Horne and
Frank Horton. We had some super support from our ladies, Karen
Powell, Judy Pittard, Helen Maxson, Jo Thornhill, Sheila Wood, Jean
Bishop, Diane van Tassel, and Julie Green as they guided the Ladies
Auxiliary activities and attended the formal events.
The North Carolina SAR earned some
recognition during the Congress:
Former State President Joe Harris was one
of six SAR Compatriots inducted into the
Minuteman Class of 2015. Samuel Powell was
awarded the National Meritorious Service Medal.
Steven Pittard was awarded the National
Distinguished Service Medal. Tim Berly,
Jim Wood, Larry Brown and John Martin
earned the Von Steuben Color Guard Medal.
Some North Carolina Compatriots achieved
the Liberty Medal (first line signer for 10 new
applications): David Allen, Gene Funderburk, Frank
Horton (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), James E. Brewer
(OLC) and James H. Wood (OLC).
The le Marquis de Lafayette AFJROTC cadet, A’lexus Lee
earned third place in the National competition and was awarded
$500. The le Marquis de Lafayette Chapter was also recognized
as the top chapter with 50-99 members in the President General’s
Chapter Activities Competition and North Carolina achieved the
top honors for a society with 10-999 members.
North Carolina did well in contributing Patriot Biographies
with 287 biographies submitted (31.2% of our membership). This
included Bethabara (71.4%), General George Washington (58.8%),
Le Marquis de Lafayette (134.7%), Lower Cape Fear (66.7%),
Mecklenburg (92.9%), Salisbury (36.6%) and Silas McDowell
(58.3%); all other chapters and the state society earned streamers for
the chapter and society flags. The Outer Banks Chapter (25%) was
mistakenly left off the list. Col. Bob Ervin, le Marquis de Lafayette
President, earned a Certificate of Appreciation for his significant
volunteer efforts in updating the Patriot Index with biographies
submitted by fellow compatriots.
Thanks to the support of the North Carolina Society, Gary
Green was recognized as a George Washington Fellow. In
addition, Frank Horton was recognized for his support of the SAR
Foundation Capital Campaign at the Antique Copper Lapel Pin
with Ruby Lamplighter Award ($5,000-$7,499 contribution); the
Mecklenburg Chapter received a Streamer for $500 contribution
to the SAR Center Capital Campaign. Brian Kevin Thompson
and Frank Horton were each recognized for $1,776 contributions
to the SAR 1776 Campaign Society and both received the Signer
Lapel pin. The Reverend A. Clark Wiser was recognized for a $592
contribution and received a Delegate Lapel pin. In addition, Clark
Wiser was recognized with the Eagle Scout (Scholarship Funding
Support) Medal.
Partners in Patriotism Certificates were awarded to the Blue
Ridge, Gen. George Washington, Halifax Resolves, Lower Cape
Fear, and Silas McDowell chapters as well as the North Carolina
Society.
The North Carolina Society was recognized for participation in
the Americanism Brochure Contest, the Eagle
Scout Scholarship program, the Outstanding
JROTC Cadet program as well as the NSSAR
Activities Award.
The National Society Information
Technology Committee is about ready to
change the look of the Supplemental and
New Member Applications that will be able to
accomplish all initial activity electronically and
allow multiple level review of the application
simultaneously. This should be a boon to those
who have computer access to the Internet.
The National Congress voted to
increase dues to $35 per year effective 1 January
2016. This was done after much discussion
and verification of the need to support the
new library, the needs of the Information
Technology Database initiative to change to
the electronic submission of applications, and the basic needs of the
National Society staff to conduct business.
President General Tom Lawrence placed a significant emphasis
upon our youth program participation at the State and Chapter
Society levels. Monetary rewards are available when a society
participates in all seven of the youth programs and the American
History Teacher of the Year recognition. There will be more to come
on his specific goals for the Society.
Areas of concern is that the Society needs to increase participation
in Flag Certificates (requires 14 chapters participating to be
recognized). We need to meet the deadline for submission of the
Poster Contest paperwork. We need to change the web sites to
identify the new “brand” for the society to be expressed as the
“North Carolina SAR” rather than the “NCSSAR”, and we need to
properly submit the Public Safety Award recipients.
My general assessment is that the 125th Congress was a great
success. The North Carolina Society was well represented and
achieved notable recognition for the fine work accomplished in the
last year. Well done, North Carolina SAR!
Bylaw Proposals
Requirements to Maintain a Chapter Charter – (Proposed addition
to Handbook/Constitution Article VIII) 11/2015 Revision
I.
Chapters shall be required to participate in, by sending a voting
member, to represent their Chapter at called meetings of their
District VP and at least one (1) of the three (3) State meetings
during a calendar year. These three meetings are defined as the
two Board of Managers meetings and the Annual meeting.
II. Each chapter will sponsor/co-sponsor at least one event/activity contained in the Americanism Report during a calendar year.
The ROTC/JROTC Recognition Program medals awarded
each spring will satisfy this requirement only if awarded in
person.
III. Chapters shall submit the required Board of Managers meetings (2) and Annual Meeting (year-end) reports to the State
Society by the deadlines set forth by the State Society. The
required information for these reports is indicated on the
North Carolina Society website.
Chapters will notify the State Secretary of the election/
appointment of chapter officers no later than 30 days after said
election/appointment. Notifications shall be in writing and
include the name of the officer, date of election/appointment.
If a report is not submitted on time, the District VP will
contact an officer of the Chapter via telephone to secure their
Chapter’s report. Reports from the Board of Managers Meeting, including late reports, will be posted on the State website.
IV. If a chapter fails to reach the above stated goals the Executive
Committee may recommend it be placed on probation for a
period of one (1) calendar year. Said chapters will be under the
direct supervision of the Officer for Chapter Revitalization.
This State Officer will oversee and evaluate the Chapter’s performance and implement corrective action. Chapters who are
placed on probation for two (2) of three (3) consecutive years
shall appear before the first Board of Managers meeting of the
fourth (4th) calendar year to justify why their charter should not
be revoked. The said charter may be subject to revocation by a
two-thirds vote of the Board of Managers.
V. Proposed Addition to NC SAR Officers – Officer for Chapter Revitalization
The supervision of chapters placed on probation shall be
accomplished by the Officer for Chapter Revitalization. This
will be an appointed office and will not fall within the line of
succession for Society President. This individual(s) should, if at
all possible, be a former NC SAR Society President.
The appointee:
• Shall direct and assist under-performing chapters.
• Shall have direct oversight of chapters that are non-functioning or considered on probation.
• Shall report progress to the Society President and the Board
of Managers at their semi-annual meetings and at the Annual meeting during the probationary period.
VI. Proposed Addition to NC SAR Officers – Officer for New
Chapter Formation
The formation of new chapters shall be guided by the Officer
for New Chapter Formation. This will be an appointed office
and will not fall within the line of succession for Society
President. This individual(s) should, if at all possible, be a
former NC SAR Society President.
The appointee:
• Shall facilitate, and assist the District Vice Presidents, in the
identification of areas for new chapter expansion
• Shall assist in the development of potential chapters up to
and through the chartering process
• Shall have direct oversight of potential chapter groups until
chartering
• Shall act as the new chapter advisor for the first year after
chartering
Proposed update of District Vice President Duties:
OLD NORTH
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SEPTEMBER
2015
• Seek to promote the interest and activities of the State to the
Chapters within their District.
• Visit each chapter at least once during their term in office.
• Plan and conduct at least one District meeting whereby all
chapters within the District are represented.
• Encourage the formation of new chapters by aiding the Officer for New Chapter Formation.
• Assist the Officer for Chapter Revitalization as directed.
• Encourage the enrollment of new members in the chapters
within the District.
VII.Surrender of a Chapter’s Charter - (Proposed addition to
Handbook/Constitution Article VIII)
Should a Chapter wish to disband and surrender its Charter to
operate to the State Society, the following guidelines will apply:
• In the event a chapter becomes inactive, or for any reason
should cease to meet and fails to elect officers, the President
shall have the authority to call a meeting of the chapter,
and preside at such meeting for the election of officers or to
conduct such business as may be necessary to reactivate the
chapter.
• Pending such a meeting, the President may appoint such
temporary officers in the chapter as he may deem desirable,
when the regular officers have for any reason ceased to function, and such temporary officers shall perform the duties of
their offices and conduct the business of the chapter until a
meeting can be held to reactivate the chapter.
• In the event all efforts to reorganize the chapter fail, then
on the recommendation of its President, the North Carolina
Society’s Board of Managers may revoke the charter of chapter and it will cease to exist.
• In addition, the Board of Managers may revoke the charter
of a chapter by two thirds vote, if a chapter:
a.) Fails to elect officers for two (2) or more years, or
b.) Fails to hold meetings or conduct SAR programs for
three (3) or more years.
The assets of such a dissolved chapter shall be transferred to
the North Carolina Treasurer to be held in a separate account
for three years until or in case the chapter can be re-chartered.
Funds which have been provided by a donor to address a
specified objective or use by this chapter (“restricted funds”),
shall be liquidated by said chapter by returning them to the
providing donor(s). The records of the Chapter shall be handed
over to the State Secretary. The flags, flag stands, supply of
medals or other material assets belonging to the chapter shall
be handed over to a nearby chapter to be held for three years
in case the chapter is re-chartered, or a new chapter founded
in that area to receive such items. After that period, if neither
of these actions occur, the assets and records will revert to the
State Society.
• It is preferred that members of the dissolved chapter transfer
into a nearby chapter so that they may remain active in SAR
activities in their area of the state.
Recommendation for Change to Fees & Dues
Supplemental Lineage Application
Discussion: With the current fee structure, there is no provision
for a North Carolina Compatriot for submitting a Supplemental
Continued on Page 8
7
OLD NORTH
STATE
SEPTEMBER
2015
Bylaw Proposals Continued from Page 7
Lineage Application with the same ancestor for himself and his
family members. There is only one cost associated with submitting
a Supplemental Lineage Application, $15.00. If a family member
with the exact same lineal ancestry wishes to submit an application
simultaneously, the current NC Application fee does not change.
In the national fee structure, the additional family member with
the same lineal ancestor is charged a fee that is one-half the amount
of the original fee application.
A price break is given when more than one member of a family,
within no more than two degrees of kinship, submit supplemental
applications at the same time, based on descent along the same genealogical line from the same supplemental patriot ancestor.
The following is a breakdown of the typical fees involved. The actual State and Chapter Level fees may vary.
• Originating Supplemental: $60
• Each additional Family supplemental (for same patriot): $30
http://www.sar.org/Membership/Costs/Supplemental_Lineage
Recommendation:
1) Recommend that fees for family members who submit Supplemental Lineage Applications at the same time for additional family
members within no more than two degrees of kinship, receive the
following price break in North Carolina fees.
• Original Supplemental Lineage Application: $15
• Each additional Family Supplemental Lineage Application (for
the same patriot): $7.50
2) Recommend the Article III-Fees and Dues, Section IV – Supplemental Fees be changed from:
Section IV - Supplemental Fees
The filing of each supplement claim shall be accompanied by payment of a fee of $75.00.
To read:
Section IV - Supplemental Fees
The filing of each supplement claim shall be accompanied by payment of a fee of $75.00 ($60 National Fee and $15 North Carolina
Fee). For each additional family member’s simultaneous supplemental
application for the same patriot the North Carolina fee will be $7.50 per
applicant.
3) Recommend a note (7) be added to the Fees and Dues chart in
the Handbook and on the web page and attached as a superscript to
the word “Supplemental” to read:
(7) For each additional family member’s simultaneous supplemental application for the same patriot the NC fee will be $7.50 per applicant.
Can you honor Someone with a
Flag Certificate
before the end of this year?
From Ken Wilson, NC SAR Flag Chairman
We compatriots of the NC SAR have done a fair to poor
job over the last few years in awarding SAR Flag Certificates
to individuals, companies and organizations in our areas of
responsibility. We need at least 14 of our chapters to award at
least one (1) flag certificate during the calendar year to qualify
the State Society to receive the Admiral William R. Furlong
Memorial Award at the National Congress. We still have
time to make the award before year’s end. Please send me a
list of certificates awarded to include the recipient’s name and
the date of the award.
We can do this, Compatriots. Present a Flag Certificate
today!
8
Americanism Reports Due
Compatriots,
Just a reminder that your Americanism Reports are due to me
NLT January 5, 2016 and no reports are to be sent to National until
they have been reviewed at the State level. By doing this, errors can
be corrected and email exchanges between the Chapter, State and
National chairmen can be held to a minimum.
An additional reminder, please annotate contributions to the National Society on Tab 16 and to the State Society on the NC Inputs
tab. This is one area that is often overlooked. I thank you for your
timely actions.
When reporting, I need to know the following:
· Name & date of event
· Name of all participants (NC SAR Primary members only)
· Was the Compatriot wearing a blazer, Continental uniform or
Colonial clothing?
· Did the Compatriot participate in the Color Guard?
· Did the Compatriot present a wreath?
· Was the CAR or DAR present?
If a state officer was present and participating in that capacity,
he must report separately following the criteria listed above. State
officers cannot be counted on the chapter forms unless they are representing both the state and chapter and are listed as such on the
program. A state officer needs to copy me on activities in a separate
report.
Most of our compatriots who attended the National Congress
have reported their activities there but some have still not responded.
Information needed includes:
· National Office held
· Committee meetings attended
· Committees Chairman/Vice Chairman
· Color Guard at any event during the Congress – Continental uniform or Colonial clothing
The same requirements would be used for the Leadership meetings at Louisville
Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Fraternally,
Ken Wilson, NC SAR Americanism Chairman
On Managing SAR Societies and Chapters
by Dr. Charles Lewis, President
Lower Cape Fear Chapter
At the Summer 2015 Meeting of the Board of Managers in Raleigh several By Laws and Constitutional changes were introduced
by President Berly for DISCUSSION ONLY. As I read the recommendations and listened to the discussions I became very much
aware of the implications.
The proposed intent to change the Supplemental Lineage Application fees appeared to be logical in terms of National and NC SAR
filing activities, specifically in terms of accommodating NC SAR fee
charges.
The possible changes to the Constitution in terms of the requirements to Maintain a Chapter Charter certainly attracted my
attention! Potential changes would require Chapters to represent
themselves by sending a voting member to called District meetings
and State meetings during a calendar year. Further possible changes would set requirements for Chapter sponsorship of activities and
submission of reports. The bottom line: Chapters that fail to meet
stated goals of these possible changes could face probation.
Managing organizational operations is an incumbent charge
to Managers. Business cannot continue “as is.” Some Chapters are
strong, while others are clearly identified as being weak.
Hats off to the Board of Managers. If Chapters cannot perform
in a minimum satisfactory manner, they should be held accountable.
The strength and the viability of the NC SAR is dependent on the
participation of its Chapters and their members.
Every NC SAR member should consider the Discussion Items
referred to; they may well become Constitutional! Thus speaks one
Chapter President!
CHAPTER NEWS
Crystal Coast
Randy D. Steele, Ed.D, Past President NCSSAR
and Past National Trustee NSSAR
The Proposed Crystal Coast Chapter met
August 12, 2015. The chapter is continuing to
build momentum and strength to eventually
seek a charter. Dr. Randy Steele, Past President NCSSAR and Organizing President of
the Chapter, conducted the meeting. Compatriot David Burnette led the pledges to
the flag and SAR. Compatriot Burnette also
read the minutes from the July 8th meeting
and the chapter discussed subsequent action.
They held a program on the resources available to them at the library of The History
Place in Morehead City. A brief history of
Carteret County during the American Revolution was presented by the History Place’s
librarian, Jane Burbella. The proposed chapter
continues to seek new members. Compatriot
Don Williams led the recessional to close the
meeting.
General George Washington
tors the purpose of the SAR and how we are the Declaration of Independence, the Conlinked in ancestry to such a rich history. stitution and the Bill of Rights.
Nash Central HS hosts SAR Speaker
10 October 2015 - The Nash Central High
School AP History class hosted Sons of the
American Revolution Compatriot Ken Wilson of the Halifax Resolves chapter who presented a program on the significance of the
dates displayed on the North Carolina flag.
The program covered the period in North
Carolina history beginning with the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence to the
(left to right) Ralph Smiley, George Strunk and adoption of the Halifax Resolves.
Kenny Smith of General George Washington Chap- AP History teacher, Mr. Renny Taylor, reter were joined by John Sullivan (Alamance Battle- ceived four SAR CD’s pertaining to the Revground Chapter).
olutionary War, the U. S. Flag and the Articles of Association of 1774. He also received
replica block prints of two Revolutionary
Halifax Resolves
War period newspapers and the Declaration
9-11 Ceremony
of Independence.
The Halifax Resolves Chapter provided
planning and logistical support for the 9-11
Ceremony held on September 11, 2015 in
Roanoke Rapids, NC which was sponsored
by AMVETS Post 101.
Outlaw Highway Marker Dedication
OLD NORTH
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SEPTEMBER
2015
Ken Wilson with NCHS AP History Class
Veterans Memorial Service
8 November 2015 - Prior to the March
of Patriots Parade/Ceremony this year, AMVETS Post 101 requested an SAR Color
Guard for a veterans memorial service at
Freedom Freewill Baptist Church in WelIn attendance (L-R) Halifax Resolves Compatriot don, NC. This program entailed posting
E.C. Bobbitt, Past President Ken Wilson and Chap- two flags, the U.S. flag and a POW flag. The
lain Rev. Duncan Jones. Article and photo provided Color Guard presented other flags, but only
two were posted. We also supplied the rifle
by Ken Wilson
sentries that were posted for the Missing
Man Table presentation. The remaining CG
Constitution Day Remembered
participants marched out under sword escort,
then the sword escort accompanied the folded flag to the Missing Man table. The service
started at 11:00. Following the service we
met for lunch at Ralph’s BBQ in preparation
for the parade in downtown Roanoke Rapids,
NC.
On Friday, 28 August, the General George
Washington Chapter Colorguard and five
members of the Lower Cape Fear Chapter
Colorguard met just south of the Wayne/
Duplin county line and participated in a
Highway Marker dedication for Captain
James Outlaw. The Outlaw and Grady families kicked off their annual family reunion by
inviting the SAR and DAR to participate. It
is a tribute to the members of both Chapters
that we are finally able to stand on our own.
Five flag bearers and four muskets is just the
right size for any occasion, and the uniform
and clothing mix was very good. We hope
it is the first of many opportunities for us to
“bring history to life” in Eastern NC. I wish I The Halifax Resolves Chapter SAR was represented
knew what the Sheriff ’s deputy was thinking by Past President Ken Wilson (L) and Halifax Rewhen he stopped at the stop sign and saw us solves Chapter DAR Regent Ms. Roberta Josey (R).
loitering on the corner in front of the church.
The Halifax Resolves SAR Chapter and
General Washington’s Tomb Vigil
the Halifax Resolves DAR Chapter placed a
The General George Washington Chap- display in the Scotland Neck Memorial Liter participated in the General Washington brary honoring the U.S. Constitution. SepTomb Vigil at Mount Vernon on 19 Septem- tember 17, 1787 was the day the Constitution
ber 2015. State participation was twice the was created and it was ratified June 21, 1788
participation of previous years. This year in an when New Hampshire, the ninth colony to
effort to ease the effort and increase the activ- do so, approved the document. Of the thirity for site visitors, we performed a changing teen colonies that ratified the constitution,
of the guard every 15 minutes after the first North Carolina was the twelfth, doing so on
hour. It is an honor and privilege to stand November 21, 1789.
guard on the First Commander in Chief ’s This display illustrates the chain of events
Tomb and during breaks to explain to visi- from the adoption of the Halifax Resolves to
(l-r) Color Guard members from several chapters
joined with JROTC and AMVETS for a church
program.
le Marquis de Lafayette
Outstanding Citizenship Pins
The pins were presented by le Marquis de Lafayette Past President Wendell Small to Joel
Sellers and wife Andrea, owners of ChickContinued on Page 10
9
OLD NORTH
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2015
Chapters Continued from Page 9
er any markers or gravestones erected. It was
believed that approximately 65 people were
buried there, but Eagle Scout Thompson,
with help from UNC Charlotte, scanned the
cemetery grounds and discovered possibly 80
graves.
Hoke, along with help from his fellow
Scout Troop #133 members, cleaned up the
cemetery, marked each gravesite and built a
Revolutionary Era style timber battlefield
fence around the cemetery.
fil-a, in the Cross Creek Mall food court for
wearing red shirts on Fridays in recognition
of our many veterans. - Wendell Small
The marker for Patriot John Elwell being unveiled.
Photo by Dick Bishop. L to R: Fred Christman, Joel
Sellers, Wendell, Andrea Sellers, and John De Carter
Constitution Day Proclamation
Compatriots Bob Ervin, Robert Alves, John
Griffith, Bruce Daws, and Wendell Small
attended the Constitution Day ceremony
held in the historic Market House in
downtown Fayetteville, NC.
Annex Coordinator for the Fayetteville Area
Transportation and Local History Museum.
The Patriot Biography was shared by James
B. Greathouse, Senior Museum Specialist,
Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local
History Museum & member St. Patrick
Catholic Church.
The Honors/Wreath Laying Ceremony
was handled by Compatriot Steven Pittard,
former Vice President, South Atlantic
District, NS SAR with the unveiling of SAR
Grave Marker done by Frank Pollak, Grand
Knight and Dennis Cahill, Deputy Knight,
Cardinal Gibbons Council of the Knights of
Columbus at St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Wreaths were presented by Lib Wilson,
Past Regent, Col. Robert Rowan Chapter,
NCSDAR and President Ervin of le Marquis
de Lafayette Chapter, NC SAR. Closing
remarks were provided by President Ervin
and the Benediction by Reverend Alves.
On June 20, 1775, a little over a year before
the Declaration of Independence, 30 year old John
Elwell signed the Liberty Point Resolves. His father,
Benjamin Elwell was also a signer. This defiant
document declared that the colony would be “thoroughly
justified in resisting force by force.”.
In the American Revolution, John Elwell served as
a Private in the Cumberland County militia under
Capt. Arthur Council. Benjamin Elwell, John’s father,
served as a Lieutenant under Captain George Miller
and Colonel Richard Caswell’s New Bern District
Militia Brigade. Brother Richard Elwell served as
a Private in the Bladen County militia under Capt.
James Council. Colonel Caswell lists Benjamin Elwell,
James Council and Arthur Council as being at the
Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. It is believed that John
Elwell served there with his company.
President Ervin receives the Constitution
Proclamation from Mayor Pro Tem Kady-Ann
Davy.
John Elwell Grave Marking
10
On Saturday, October 10, 2015, the le
Marquis de Lafayette Chapter conducted
a Grave Marking Ceremony honoring
Revolutionary War Patriot John Elwell,
in collaboration with St. Patrick Catholic
Church and the Fayetteville Area
Transportation and Local History Museum.
Compatriot Bobby J. Ervin, President of the
Chapter, led the program.
Quite a few guests, members of the church
and family members were in attendance.
The Invocation was given by Compatriot
Rev. Robert Alves, Chaplain of the chapter.
Recognition of St. Patrick Catholic Church
was provided by Harry Doody, Museum
Mecklenburg
Chapter assists in Slave and Native
American Grave Marking
Jay Joyce, President, Mecklenburg Chapter
Eagle Scout project chairman Hoke Thompson addresses the audience with the story behind the preservation and marking of the cemetery.
50th Anniversary Vietnam Tribute
CHARLOTTE, NC (September 18,
2015) – The Mecklenburg chapter sponsored
a very special 50th Anniversary Tribute to the
Veterans of the Vietnam War that was open
to SAR members, veterans and community
members.
Many members are Vietnam veterans and
we wanted to do something special during
the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the
war. Part of our goals is to honor the Patriots
who served during the Revolutionary War,
but because so many of our members served
our nation during the Vietnam War, we
wanted to pay tribute to these patriots as well.
130 SAR members, veterans and community
members gathered to take part in the tribute.
US Army MG Charles H. Swannack,
Jr., Commanding General of the 82nd
Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, spoke.
He commanded the most elite division in
the Army leading the 82nd Airborne. He
was also the commanding general in the
Middle East in 2004 during the Iraq war. He
spoke about the differences between military
planning and civilian interaction from the
Vietnam War to the Iraqi War.
Also speaking was Vietnam War military
correspondent Joseph Galloway. He was
CHARLOTTE, NC - The Mecklenburg
Chapter, NC SAR, participated in a mass
grave marking sponsored by the Governor
John Archdale Chapter, Colonial Dames
XVII Century, at the historic Sardis Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC on October
17, 2015.
“This event was organized by Katherine Hohmann, President of the Colonial
Dames chapter, the Sardis Presbyterian
Church Cemetery Committee and one of the
church’s Life Scouts, Hoke Thompson, as his
Joseph Galloway speaks to audience
Eagle Scout project. More than 100 media
and community members attended the cerone of America’s premier war and foreign
emony.”
The slave and Native American cemetery is correspondents for half a century. He was a
more than 150 years old and there were nevContinued on Page 11
Chapters Continued from Page 9
special consultant to General Colin Powell
and in 1998 he received the Bronze Star for
rescuing wounded soldiers under fire in the
IA Drang Valley in 1965. He is the author of
“We Were Soldiers Once…and Young” and
“We Are Soldiers Still.”
Mr. Galloway spoke about how he was
compelled to tell the real stories about the
soldiers, the battles and the horror of war in
Vietnam.
The evening ended with a presentation
of a wreath honoring all veterans from the
Vietnam War. All of the general officers and
veterans in attendance were asked to render
honors as TAPS was played.
This tribute was part of our mission of
remembering those who have paid the
ultimate price serving our country.
WWII, Korean & Vietnam
Compatriot Grave Marked
by Jay Joyce, Chapter President
235th Anniversary of the Battle of Ramsour’s Mill
OLD NORTH
STATE
(Lincolnton, NC) The Catawba Valley Chapter hosted the 235th Annual Anniversary of
the Battle of Ramsour’s Mill to one of the largest gatherings in recent memory.
This battle was significant in that it lowered the morale of the Loyalists in the south and
weakened their support of the British on June 20, 1780.
Approximately 400 American militia
defeated 1,300 Loyalists. The battle did
not involve any regular army forces from
either side. It was literally fought between
neighbors, and despite being outnumbered,
the Patriot militia defeated the Loyalists.
Casualties were difficult to assign since almost no one was wearing any sort of uniform. The estimates of dead on each side is
around 70. The annual commemoration is
held at the mass gravesite.
SEPTEMBER
2015
by Emcee Jay Joyce, President, Mecklenburg Chapter
235th Anniversary of the Battle of Colson’s Mill
(Norwood, NC) The Colson’s Mill Chapter hosted
the annual anniversary of the Battle of Colson’s Mill.
President Daniel Burleson and his members were
gracious hosts, providing an air conditioned space
and having a fine meal available for the ceremony in
July. This event has been supported well by both the
NC SAR and the NCSDAR over the years. State
President Tim Berly and SAR Foundation President Sam Powell were in attendance. The State Color
Guard was present in force, and wreaths from across
the state were presented.
SAR and
C.A.R.
members from
North Carolina,
South Carolina,
Georgia and
Virginia
assemble for
the Ramsour’s
Mill ceremony.
President Tim
Berly renders
honors during
wreath presentations at
Colson’s Mill
celebration.
Battle of the House in the Horseshoe
On August 1, 2015, the le Marquis de Lafayette Chapter organized the Annual Battle at the
The NC/SC Combined Color Guard, along with
the bag piper, present the colors at the beginning of
a SAR Compatriot grave marking service for COL
Charles Crain in Charlotte, NC.
(CHARLOTTE, NC) The Mecklenburg
chapter marked the grave of compatriot and
25-year chapter member COL Charles L.
Crain, USA (Ret.). Charles served in the U.S.
Army during WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
He participated in five campaigns during
WWII as an Infantry Company Commander,
three campaigns in Korea as an Infantry
Battalion Commander and in Vietnam as
a Division Advisor to the 9th Vietnamese
Infantry Division.
Charles earned many military awards
including the Silver Star, Purple Heart,
Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge with
Star, Legion of Merit, Air Medal and Cross
of Gallantry (Vietnam). In addition to all of
those awards, Charles was a loving husband
of 65 years to his wife Betty and a wonderful
father to his daughter Marilyn.
Charles earned a degree from the
University of Maryland and a Masters from
George Washington University. He was a
graduate of the Infantry Officers School,
Command and General Staff College and
the United States War College.
Charles had a great love for the SAR and
our chapter. We were all moved to honor his
service and life with the SAR compatriot
grave marker and ceremony.
The grave marking ceremony included a
professional bagpiper, the NC and SC SAR
Color Guards, and a professional vocalist to
sing patriotic hymns.
House in the Horseshoe Ceremony. This is the second year of holding it in conjunction with
the State Historic Site’s yearly battle observance. Sutlers and reenactment units were positioned
throughout the site near Goldston, NC. Chapter President Bobby Ervin was Master of Ceremonies. NC SAR President Timothy W. Berly brought remarks. Dr. Samuel C. Powell, President
of the SAR Foundation, spoke on its efforts to remember our Patriot ancestors. Dan Hopping,
President of the Sons of the Revolution in NC,
brought greetings, as well as Vivia Day Tatum,
DAR-SAR Liaison, NCSDAR. The speaker for
the event was Dave Taylor, a Board Member for
the Historic Site, who shared some of the history
behind the observance.
(left to right, kneeling) Gary Green, George Strunk, John
Thornhill, David Mann and Alex Wilson. (left to right,
standing) Dick Bishop, Jim Tatum, Sam Powell, Steve
Pittard, Dan Hopping, Tim Berly, Bobby Ervin, Ken
Luckey, Wendell Small and Mike Aycock.
235th Anniversary of the Battle of Shallow Ford
by Fred Learned, Master of Ceremony, and President of the Bethabara Chapter
The Bethabara Chapter hosted a celebration of the Battle of Shallow Ford, on the Yadkin
River, in Huntsville, NC on October 10, 2015. Color guardsmen in colonial uniforms came
from around the state to attend the ceremony.
On October 14th, 1780 about 350 Patriot militiamen from North Carolina and Virginia,
commanded by Maj. Joseph Cloyd, defeated upwards of 900 Tories that had just crossed the
Yadkin River planning to join up with Cornwallis in Charlotte. News of the victory encouraged the Patriots and the Tories never again gathered in such numbers.
“The Battle of Shallow Ford has long been overlooked by historians, but recent research
shows that it was a significant victory for the Patriot forces. Occurring exactly one week after
the more famous Patriot victory at Kings Mountain, these two battles combined to help turn
the War for Independence in North Carolina to the
Patriots’ advantage.
Randell Jones, an historical author, storyteller and
Road Scholar, spoke on “The march of the prisoners
after Kings Mountain.” He has served as the past
President of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association and is a much sought after expert for the
accurate history of Kings Mountain, Daniel Boone,
the Overmountain Men and just about every Revolutionary War battle in North Carolina.”
The North
Carolina SAR
Color Guard
gathered in
front of the
historic 1802
Huntsville
Methodist
Church
located in
Huntsville,
NC, for the
Shallow Ford
eremony.
11
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The newsletter of the North Carolina Society of theSons of the American Revolution
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OLD NORTH
STATE
North Carolina SAR 2016 Winter Board of Managers Meeting
Saturday, January 30, 2016 - 11:45 AM to 3:30 PM
Hopewell Presbyterian Church Family Life Center, 10500 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville, NC
SEPTEMBER
2015
$25 per person includes hot, homemade southern buffet lunch.
To RSVP, please fill out this form, enclose your check payable to NC SAR, and mail by Jan. 25 to:
George Strunk, 205 Goldleaf Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534; (919) 778-8324; [email protected]
Name: _________________________________ NC SAR Position:__________________________
Chapter:________________________________ Chapter Position: __________________________
Phone:_________________________________ E-Mail: __________________________________
Chapter and Committee Reports must be e-mailed no later than 16 January 2016 to:
George Strunk at [email protected] and Steve Pittard at [email protected]
Agenda items should be e-mailed to: Tim Berly at [email protected]
Ladies Auxiliary will meet separately and join SAR members for lunch.
The
Old North
State
A publication of the
North Carolina Society
Sons of the American Revolution
Volume 21 - Number 4 - September 2015
G. Steven Pittard, Editor
414 Wilder Drive • Fayetteville, NC 28314
(910) 578-1311 • [email protected]
Submission deadline for next issue:
January 4, 2016
12
NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS ABOVE.
Old address is no longer accessible. If you
have submitted articles or photos to previous
address, please kindly resend them to this
current address to be sure I have them for
possible inclusion in the next newsletter.
Thanks, Editor.
2016
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
January 7 - le Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Meeting; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Mark your schedules to join
us for our first chapter meeting of 2016 at the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Building, Burgess
Street, downtown Fayetteville.
January 9 - Lower Cape Fear Chapter Meeting; 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Join us for this year’s first chapter
meeting at Elizabeth’s Pizza in Wilmington.
January 9 - Raleigh Chapter Meeting; 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.; Please mark your calendars to join us for an
informal lunch meeting at Red Hot and Blue Restaurant in North Raleigh.
January 16 - 235th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens; 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; The ceremony will be
held at the Cowpens Battlefield Park a few miles west of Gaffney, SC.
January 30 - 235th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowan’s Ford; 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.; The Mecklenburg
Chapter invites all SAR, DAR, CAR, SR and other civic organizations to participate in the 235th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowan’s Ford in Huntersville, NC at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Followed
by the BOM Meeting in their Family Life Center. Registration for Cowan’s Ford will be available on the
web site. Registration for the BOM is printed above and will be available on line as well.
The National Society voted to raise national dues by $5 (now at $35) beginning this January 2016. Please make a note of it as you renew your memberships for the coming year.